Community Forums

cptgregger · 08-19-2014, 12:08 PM

We will leave YNP on August 27th for Mt Olympic NP in Washington.

Any input as to routes, things to see along the way, etc? Plan on taking 3-5 days for the trip to MONP but will then tear 2 months going down the coast along US 1 and Hwy 101 to LA or San Diego.

OLYLEN · 08-20-2014, 08:16 AM

Depending on where you are in YSNP head north to I90 the westbound all the way. A stop in Glacier NP IS not too far off your route and is a must see if you want to see NP's. Once in Wa. there is Mount Rainer National park, and then on to Olympic national park, I would go though Olympia then west to do the loop around the park and there are any number of camp grounds along the way. That route will take you counter clockwise around Olympin national park past Hoods canal and gets you to all entrances to the park.

LEN

MaverickBBD · 08-20-2014, 04:05 PM

Olylen, provided sage advice. You do know ONP is a big park. Are you going to do the whole park? The only thing as far as route, I might suggest you take 12 outside of Ellensburg. That way you could stop someplace in between Rainer and Mt. St. Helens. Then stay on 12 all the way to coast and go up the west side of the park.

JohnQ · 08-22-2014, 05:34 PM

google Salt Creek Recreation area, about 10 - 15 miles west of Port Angeles. It's a Clallam Cty Park with RV spots, sits on the narrowest spot on the Strait of Juan Defuca. Best view of the Strait with ship traffic (even Nuc Subs).

wanderso · 08-23-2014, 11:42 PM

If I-90 route, consider Glacier as others suggested. The drive even on 90 goes through some great country in western MT and north Idaho. If you like roller coasters and such, stop by Silverwood in northern Idaho. There is an RV campground adjacent or you can dry camp in the parking lot. From Spokane to about Cle Elum is pretty boring, then the beauty of the cascades appears.

You may also consider the southern route

1. Head south through the Tetons. Any time? Enjoy. Same goes for Jackson, WY.
2. Continue on to Idaho Falls and check out Craters of the moon. RV camping is inexpensive. Dry camping but there is water at most sites and the bathrooms are normal flush toilets. We liked a wonderful summer night thunderstorm and the ranger talk at evening in the camp is enjoyable.
3. Get back on 84 through Oregon. Campgrounds await with several good state parks. Also, stop at several sights along the way if you'd like Goldendale Observatory (public - you look through the scopes) - state campground nearby as is a private one - both down at the Columbia river on the Washington side. Stonehenge replica at Maryhill. Maryhill Museum of Art (Sam Hill), Winery nearby. Continue on 84. The Dalles and Hood river are popular for windsurfing. Hood River has some great places to eat and explore. Mount Hood is nearby as are orchards, a scenic railroad, etc. Cascade locks - enjoy the Stern Wheeler boat ride or even just get a soft serve ice cream cone at the East Wind Drive In (often will have a line - yes it is that good). Of course also stop at multnomah falls and several others nearby. Just be aware that the campgrounds between The Dalles and Troutdale in the Columbia Gorge can have some train noise at night.

You can now choose to see several sights in Portland or take I-205 to I-5. Mt Saint Helens is a good diversion if you have the time. You can then cut over to the Olympic NP park north of Centralia on I-5 (via Aberdeen, etc)